Several members of staff at our Trust were presented with You Made a Difference awards this week, following nominations by our patients. Sahara B ward was awarded for their dedication to delivering an excellent standard of care. 

The patient recognised more than a dozen people who contributed to their care, including nurses Ana Sophia, Smeetha, and Valerie, who were described as ‘compassionate’ and ‘lovely.’  

Further thanks was given to student nurses Amy, Bruno, and Pala for their ‘exceptional’ care. Amy was always able to ‘put a smile on [their] face’ with her ‘great sense of humour’ while Pala was able to make the patient ‘feel good every time he helped.’

Healthcare assistants, Gema, and Lina, were acknowledged for being ‘helpful at all times.’

Physiotherapist Mike and his colleagues Helena, Emily, Charlie, and Jo were also praised for their skill and ability to motivate patients through their recovery. The nomination read: ‘[They] helped me to stand on the Zimmer frame and regain my dignity.’ The exercises suggested gave strength to my left arm which was fully inoperable. Thank you so much guys, thank you Mike!’

Also recognised in the nomination was Sam, a member of the kitchen staff. The nomination read: “In my worst times, Sam made sure I get the food I liked and helped me every day to get my fermented milk that helped my constipation and IBS. She also made sure I got my daily fruits and opened the oranges when I could not use my left hand. Thank you Sam I will never forget your kindness and compassion.’

Ward manager, Natalie Walkingshaw, was praised for her attentiveness and her ability to always remain responsive.

Katie Bird, a midwife on Coral ward, received the award for her exceptional care of a patient who stayed in hospital over two nights, after an emergency caesarean section and sepsis infection risk. 

The patient said: “[Katie answered] every call bell with reassurance and a smile, she really went above and beyond to help while caring for all the other patients.”

On the second day, the patient described how hard it was being in the hospital on their own, but Katie’s care made the experience bearable.

“I appreciated the normal conversation and company… it really made my night and morning and made me feel at ease. She did not have to stay and chat to me about Ugg boots… but those few minutes of normal non-medical or baby conversation really put into perspective that everything will be okay.

“I was so grateful to have had such a lovely midwife for my last night, that gave me the reassurance and confidence I needed to care for my baby.”

Upon receiving her award, Katie highlighted the importance of engaging in normal conversation with patients. She said: “Having little conversations, especially during Covid when there were no visitors, reminds them that although we work here, we are still people you can talk to. Sometimes that is just what they need, they are not looking for medical advice, just someone to talk to.”

Chief Executive Matthew Trainer handed out the awards to our winners. Well done to all of them!

If you know a member of staff who always goes above and beyond for their patients and colleagues, why not nominate them for a You Made a Difference award? Details and the nomination form can be found on our website.